The Pebble Girl: Interview with Author, Artist, and Abuse Survivor, Aisling Creegan Part 1

Author: Dara Clear
Published: Wed 29 Jun 2022
Episode Link: https://shows.acast.com/theclearout

Dara presents the first of two parts of an in-depth interview with author, artist, and abuse survivor, Aisling Creegan.

Aisling grew up in the 1970s as the youngest child of a large Dublin family, but hers was a harrowing childhood that played out in a chaotic and violent household. Alcoholism, one ailing parent, and the other with severe mental health problems meant the young Aisling was never safe. Her refuge lay in her imagination, her relationship with nature, and her love of art.

In her brilliant and ferociously honest memoir - I Am Someone - Aisling shares her story of survival in the face of extreme adversity and persecution.

Dara discusses the events that informed the book in a candid conversation with Aisling, leading up to a significant figure in Aisling's youth who made her think life was worth living after all.

Warning: Some of the subject matter covered in this interview may be triggering. While avoiding anything too explicit or gratuitous, child abuse, both physical and sexual, is part of Aisling's story.

Aisling's book - I Am Someone: https://www.gillbooks.ie/stories/stories/i-am-someone

Aisling's New Irish Art page: https://newirishart.com/irish-artists/aisling-creegan-artist.htm

Relevant Irish services and charities:

https://www.cari.ie/ - therapy provision for victims of childhood sexual abuse

https://www.rcni.ie/ - rape crisis centre

https://www.oneinfour.ie/ - supporting victims of childhood sexual abuse

https://www.belongto.org/ - supporting LGBTI+ young people

https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/ - supporting individuals at risk of extreme duress and suicide

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